Particulate coated monofilament devices

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are coated monofilament dental devices overcoated with biofilm-responsive particulate abrasives.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationsSer. Nos. 09/935,922; 09/935,920; 09/935,921; 09/935,910, each filed 23Aug. 2001, and entitled respectively, “Physical improvements in coatedmonofilament dental tapes”; “Monofilament dental tapes with substantivecoatings”; “Non-crystalline saliva soluble coatings for elastomericmonofilament tapes”; and ”Monofilament dental tapes with soft abrasivecoatings.” This application is copending with U.S. patent applicationsSer. Nos. 10/______ and 10/______ (Docket Nos. 5369/00026 and5369/00027), each filed on the same date as this application andentitled, respectively, “Coated Multifilament Dental Devices Overcoatedwith Imbedded Particulate” and “Coated Micromesh Dental DevicesOvercoated with Imbedded Particulate. The disclosures of theseapplications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dental floss is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary, 1983, as“ . .. thread for removing food particles between the teeth.”

The concept of using dental floss for cleansing interproximal spacesappears to have been introduced by Parmly in 1819, Practical Guide tothe Management of Teeth, Cullins & Croft Philadelphia, Pa. Numeroustypes of floss were developed and used for cleaning interproximal andsubgingival surfaces, until finally in 1948 Bass established the optimumcharacteristics of dental floss, Dental Items of Interest, 70, 921-34(1948).

Bass cautioned that dental floss treated with sizing, binders and/or waxproduces a “cord” effect as distinguished from the desired “spreadfilament effect”. This cord effect reduces flossing efficiencydramatically and visually eliminates splaying (i.e., the flattening andspreading out of filaments) necessary to achieve the requiredinterproximal and subgingival mechanical cleaning. This cleaning is thenrequired to be followed by the entrapment and removal of debris, plaqueand microscopic materials from interproximal spaces by the “spread”floss as it is removed from between teeth.

Proper use of dental floss is necessary to clean the considerablesurface area on the interproximal surfaces of teeth, which cannotusually be reached by other cleaning methods or agents, e.g., thebristles of a toothbrush, the swishing action of a rinse, or by thepulsating stream from an oral irrigator.

Historically, the purpose of dental floss was to:

-   (1) dislodge and remove any decomposing food material, debris, etc.,    that has accumulated at the interproximal surfaces, which could not    be removed by other oral hygiene means, and-   (2) dislodge and remove as much as possible the growth of bacterial    material (plaque, tartar, calculus) that had accumulated there since    the previous cleaning.

Effective oral hygiene requires that three control elements bemaintained by the individual:

-   (1) Physical removal of stains, plaque and tartar. This is    accomplished in the strongest sense by scraping and abrasion in the    dentist's office. Self administered procedures are required    frequently between visits and range from tooth brushing with an    appropriate abrasive toothpaste through flossing and water jet    action down to certain abrasive foods and even the action of the    tongue against tooth surfaces.-   (2) Surfactant Cleaning. This is required to remove: food debris and    staining substances before they adhere to the tooth surface; normal    dead cellular (epithelial) material which is continually sloughed    off from the surfaces of the oral cavity and microbial degradation    products derived from all of the above. Besides the obvious hygienic    and health benefits related to simple cleanliness provided by    surfactants, there is an important cosmetic and sense-of-well-being    benefit provided by surfactant cleansing. Research has shown that    the primary source of bad breath is the retention and subsequent    degradation of dead cellular material sloughed off continuously by    the normal, healthy mouth.-   (3) Frequency of Cleansing. This is perhaps the most difficult to    provide in today's fast-paced work and social environment. Most    people recognize that their teeth should be brushed at least 3 times    a day and flossed at least once a day. The simple fact is that most    of the population brush once a day, some brush morning and evening,    but precious few carry toothbrush and dentifrice to use the other    three or four times a day for optimal oral hygiene. Consumer    research suggests that the population brushes an average of 1.3    times a day. Most surprising, less than 15% of adults floss    regularly. Reasons offered for not flossing: difficult to do,    painful, not effective, doesn't seem to do anything, and leaves a    bad taste.

Most commercial interproximal devices marketed at the present timecontain various coatings of wax or wax like substances that function as:binders for the various multifilament flosses to minimize fraying,lubricants, flavor carriers, and/or fluoride carriers. When added tovarious monofilament dental tapes, generally at substantially lowerlevels, wax functions as a lubricant and/or flavor/active ingredientcarrier.

An almost universal shortcoming common to most waxed dental flosses andto all coated monofilament dental tapes is the user perception duringflossing that the dental floss or dental tape is “not working” and/or“not cleaning”, etc.

In fact, most of these devices have only marginal efficacy with respectto removing biofilms (plaque). Biofllms generally require physicalabrasive-type action to be effectively removed. Periodic professionalcleaning is a recommended means for effectively controlling biofilmformation.

The classification of plaque as a biofilm is considered a major advancein the development of more effective “self-treatment” oral careproducts. See the following biofilm references:

Greenstein and Polson, J. Periodontol., May 1998, 69:5:507-520; vanWinkelhoff, et al., J. Clin. Periodontol., 1989, 16:128-131; and Wilson,J. Med. Microbiol., 1996, 44:79-87.

-   -   Biofilms are defined as “ . . . matrix-enclosed bacterial        population adherent to each other and to the surface or        intersurfaces. These masses secrete an exopolysaccharide matrix        for protection. Considerably higher concentrations of drugs are        needed to kill bacteria in biofilms than organisms in aqueous        suspensions.”

Costerton, J. W., Lewandowski, Z., DeBeer, D., Caldwell, D., Korber, D.,James, G. Biofilms, the customized microniche. J. Bacteriol., 1994,176:2137-2142.

-   -   The unique attributes of biofilms is being recognized as        increasingly important in the 1990's. Future studies into the        mode of growth of biofilms will allow manipulation of the        bacterial distribution.

Douglass, C. W., Fox, C. H. Cross-sectional studies in periodontaldisease: Current status and implications for dental practice. Adv. Dent.Res., 1993, 7:26-31.

-   -   The number of adults over 55 who will need periodontal services        will increase. The type of services will need to be adjusted to        meet the need.

Greenstein, G. J., Periodontal response to mechanical non-surgicaltherapy: A review. Periodontol., 1992, 63:118-130.

-   -   Mechanical therapy remains effective with caveats of compliance        and skill of therapists.    -   Marsh, P. D., Bradshaw, D. J. Physiological approaches to the        control of oral biofilms. Adv. Dent. Res., 1997, 11:176-185.    -   Most laboratory and clinical findings support the concept of        physiological control. Further studies will reveal details of        biofilm diversity.

Page, R. C., Offenbacher, S., Shroeder, H., Seymour, G. J., Kornman, K.S. Advances in the pathogenesis of periodontitis: Summary ofdevelopments, clinical implications and future directions. Periodont.2000, 1997, 14:216-248.

-   -   Genetic susceptibility to three oral anaerobic bacteria play an        important part in the progression of periodontitis. Acquired and        environmental risk factors exacerbate the problem. Mechanical        disruption will remain an effective and essential part of        periodontal therapy.    -   Papapanou, P. N., Engebretson, S. P., Lamster, I. B. Current and        future approaches for diagnosis of periodontal disease. NY State        Dent. J., 1999, 32-39.    -   New techniques are available such as a novel pocket depth        measurement device, microscopic techniques, immunoassay, DNA        probes, BANA hydrolysis tests. These more clearly define the        nature of periodontitis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to biofilm-responsive, coatedmonofilament dental tapes suitable for physical-abrasive-type removal,disruption and/or control of biofilms that form on interproximal and/orsubgingival tooth surfaces not reachable by brushing or rinsing. Thecoated monofilament dental tapes of the present invention are overcoatedwith a particulate abrasive that remains substantive to the monofilamenttape base coating until said base coating is released during flossing.During flossing, the particulate abrasive overcoating of the presentinvention separates from the released base coating to work inconjunction with the dental tape. That is, the released particulateabrasive cooperates with the monofilament dental tape as the tape isbeing worked interproximally and subgingivally to deliverphysical-abrasive-type cleaning, disruption and/or control of biofilmsformed on interproximal and subgingival tooth surfaces.

The physical-abrasive-type cleaning, disruption and/or control ofbiofilms achieved with the particulate abrasive overcoated monofilamentdental tapes of the present invention continues until:

-   -   the monofilament dental tape is removed from the space and        flossing of the area is discontinued,    -   the particulate abrasive dissolves and/or is washed away, and/or    -   the biofilm is physically removed, disrupted and/or controlled.

The physical-abrasive-type cleaning, disruption and/or control ofbiofilms with the particulate abrasive overcoated monofilament dentaltapes of the present invention can be simultaneously improved furtherwith a chemotherapeutic treatment of the particulate abrasivemonofilament tape effected biofilm by various chemotherapeuticsubstances contained in the base coating and/or in the particulateovercoating, which chemotherapeutic substances are released onto thetooth surfaces during flossing along with the particulate abrasive.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprisesbiofilm-responsive monofilament dental tape devices.

A further embodiment of the present invention comprises coatedmonofilament dental tape devices with releasable particulate abrasivesthat are biofilm-responsive during flossing.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a self-treatment means forroutinely removing, disrupting and/or controlling biofilms formed oninterproximal and subgingival tooth surfaces.

Still another embodiment of the invention comprises a method forovercoating coated monofilament dental tapes with releasable particulateabrasives of various particle sizes and particle size distributions, inorder to remove, disrupt and/or control biofilms.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a method for removing,disrupting and/or controlling biofilms that form on interproximal andsubgingival tooth surfaces.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises biofilm-responsivemonofilament dental devices overcoated with particulate abrasives andcontaining a saliva soluble base coating which contains anantimicrobial.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises biofilm-responsivemonofilament dental devices overcoated with active particulate abrasivessuch as whitening and tartar control abrasives.

Still another embodiment of the invention comprises biofilm-responsivemonofilament dental devices overcoated with dental particulate abrasivesincluding silica, pumice, alumina, calcium carbonate and dicalciumphosphate dihydrate.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises biofilm-responsive,monofilament dental devices overcoated with imbedded particulateabrasives, where said abrasives contain other substances ranging fromflavorants, antimicrobials and cleaning substances to mouth conditionersand various pharmaceutical substances.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises improved waxedmonofilament dental tapes with an overcoating of imbedded particulateabrasive.

Still another embodiment of the invention comprises improved waxedmonofilament dental tapes with overcoatings of imbedded particulateabrasive and saliva soluble particulate substances containing flavorantand mouth conditioning substances.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises improved waxedmonofilament dental tapes with an overcoating of imbedded particulateabrasive containing a saliva soluble, substance containing flavorant andmouth conditioners.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a method for improvingmonofilament dental tapes comprising sequential overcoating of said basecoated monofilament dental tapes with two or more particulates havingsubstantially different densities, wherein said various particulates areimbedded into the base coating prior to cooling and solidifying saidbase coating.

Still another embodiment of the invention comprises improved commercial,emulsion coated monofilament dental tape with an overcoating of imbeddedparticulate abrasive.

For purposes of describing the present invention, the following termsare defined as set out below:

“Monofilament dental devices” are defined as interproximal dentaldevices such as monofilament dental tape constructed of a singlecontinuous monofilament, which can be extruded, slit from a film, etc.Examples of these devices are described in the following U.S. patents:Re. 35,439; 3,800,812; 4,974,615; 5,760,117; 5,433,226; 5,479,952;5,503,842; 5,755,243; 5,845,652; 5,884,639; 5,918,609; 5,962,572;5,998,431; 6,003,525; 6,083,208; 6,198,830; 6,161,555; 6,027,192;5,209,251; 5,033,488; 5,518,012; 5,911,228; 5,220,932; 4,776,358;5,718,251; 5,848,600; 5,787,758; and 5,765,576,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Preferred monofilament dental devices include polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., devices.

Particularly preferred monofilament dental devices include elastomericmonofilament dental devices such as detailed in Tables 3 through 7 belowand described and claimed in the co-pending Patent Application entitled,“Elastomeric monofilament dental tapes,” filed Aug. 23, 2001, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

“Coatings” for the monofilament dental devices are defined as thosesubstances that coat monofilament dental devices for purposes of:lubrication and ease of tape insertion for carrying flavors and otheradditives, providing “hand” so the device can be wound around thefingers, etc. Preferred coatings include those emulsion coatingsdescribed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,479; 5,032,387;5,538,667; 5,561,959; and 5,665,374, which are hereby incorporated byreference.

Particularly preferred coatings include those saliva soluble coatingsfor monofilament dental tapes described and claimed in co-pending U.S.patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/935,922; 09/935,920; 09/935,921 and09/935,710, all filed on 23 Aug. 2001, which are hereby incorporated byreference. Particularly preferred coatings are the crystal-free coatingsdescribed in Tables 8 and 9 below.

“Particulate abrasives” are defined as saliva soluble, semi-soluble andinsoluble abrasive substances having a wide range of particle sizes andparticle size distribution.

Preferred particulate abrasives include various inorganics such as glassbeads, and various organics such as particles of polyethylene,polypropylene, etc.

Particularly preferred inorganic particulate abrasives include variousdental abrasives such as: pumice, silica, alumina, silicon dioxide,magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide, diatomaceous earth, sodiumpotassium aluminum silicate, zirconium silicate, calcium carbonate,calcium silicate, fumed silica, hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphatedihydrate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, etc.See also Table 1 below.

Particularly preferred “active” particulate abrasives include:

peroxides such as: carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, sodiumperborate, sodium percarbonate, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide,etc.;

phosphates such as: sodium hexametaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate,etc.; and pyrophosphates such as: tetrasodium pyrophosphate,tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, calciumpyrophosphate, etc. See also Table 2 below. See also the followingrelevant U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,221,341; 3,491,776; 3,330,732;3,699,979; 2,700,636; 5,220,932; 4,776,358; 5,718,251; 5,848,600;5,787,758; and 5,765,576.

“Releasable” particulate abrasive is defined as the property wherebyparticulate abrasive, which is adhered to the base coating ofmonofilament dental tape, remains substantive to said base coating untilflossing begins, at which time the particulate abrasive separates fromthe saliva soluble base coating and remains available interproximallyand subgingivally to work with the monofilament tape, responding tobiofilms encountered on subgingival, interproximal and supragingivaltooth surfaces with physical-abrasive-type cleaning.

“Particulate abrasive load” is defined as the percent by weight ofparticulate abrasive contained on the coated monofilament dental deviceas a percent by weight of the device. See Tables 1, 2 and 9 below.

“Base coat monofilament device load” is defined as the percent by weightof the base coating contained on the monofilament device as a percent byweight of the coated monofilament device.

“Total coating load” is defined as the percent by weight of the basecoating plus the particulate abrasive overcoating contained on themonofilament device as a percent by weight of the device.

“Perceived Abrasive Factor (PAF)” is defined as the subjective level ofperceived abrasivity when:

(1) winding the coated monofilament device around the fingers (i.e.,“hand”), and

(2) when working the device across tooth surfaces with a sawing action.

PAF grades range from 0 through 4, i.e., imperceptible (0), slightlyperceptible (1), perceptible (2), very perceptible (3) and very abrasive(4). See Tables 1, 2 and 9 below. PAF values of about 2 or greater arepreferred. PAF values above 3 are particularly preferred.

“Incidental Release Factor (IRF)” is defined as the percent by weight ofthe particulate abrasive retained on the coated monofilament dentaldevice, when an 18 inch piece of the device is removed from a dispenserand wrapped around two fingers prior to flossing. (See Tables 1, 2 and9.)

“Biofilm responsive” is defined as the property of particulate abrasivesto work cooperatively with monofilament dental tapes and other cleaningand/or chemotherapeutic substances in the base coating to remove,disrupt and/or control biofilms when released from the coatedmonofilament tapes during flossing.

“Fluidized bed” is defined as a means of converting solid particulateabrasives into an expanded, suspended, solvent-free mass that has manyproperties of a liquid. This mass of suspended particulate abrasive haszero angle of repose, seeks its own level, while assuming the shape ofthe containing vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a particulate abrasive overcoatingsystem of the invention suitable for overcoating coated monofilamentdevices.

FIG. 1 a is a schematic side view of a particulate overcoating system asshown in FIG. 1, with the filter means replaced by fitted with means torecover the particulate overspray that does not contact the monofilamentduring the overcoating operation.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of the system shown in FIG. 1 showingcoated monofilament dental tape passing through the particulate abrasivecoating chamber.

FIG. 3 is an expanded side view of a coated monofilament dental deviceshowing a liquid base coating on both sides of the monofilament dentaltape prior to entering the particulate abrasive coating chamber.

FIG. 4 is an expanded side view of coated monofilament dental tapeshowing particulate abrasive impinged onto the liquid base coating asthe monofilament dental tape is passing through the particulate abrasivecoating chamber.

FIG. 5 is an expanded side view of coated monofilament dental tapeshowing particulate abrasive adhered to the solidified base coatingafter the particulate abrasive overcoated, monofilament tape has beenpassed through a cooling zone (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an alternative particulate abrasiveovercoating system of the present invention suitable for overcoatingcoated monofilament devices.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of another alternative particulateovercoating system of the present invention suitable for overcoatingwax-type coated monofilament devices, where the particulate used forovercoating is not detailed.

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, with the particulate used for overcoatingshown in detail.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow chart for particulate overcoating of coatedmonofilament dental floss.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 which is a schematic side view of a particulateabrasive overcoating system comprising: particulate abrasive coatingsystem, 1, consisting of fluidized bed means, 2, comprising: fluidizedparticulate abrasive, 3, membrane, 4, fluidizing air means, 5, standpipe, 6, in communication with particulate abrasive nozzle means, 7,provided with pump means, 8, which contains nozzle air input means, 9,and pump cleaning means, 10.

Particulate abrasive coating system, 1, is provided with hinged accessmeans, 11 and 15, and filter means, 12, particulate abrasive fillingmeans, 13, and coated elastomeric, monofilament dental tape particulateabrasive coating zone, 14, and coated elastomeric monofilament dentaltapes, 15. Filter means, 12, can be assisted by a vacuum cyclone meanswhich capture all unused particulate, 3, overspray and recycles same.This is detailed in FIG. 1 a.

Coated elastomeric monofilament dental tape, 15, with a liquid coatingcontained thereon, passes through particulate abrasive coating zone, 14,where particulate, 3, is introduced onto the liquid coating on tape, 15,from nozzle means, 7.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, vacuum cyclone means, 60, replaces former filtermenas, 12, and is connected to the top of particulate coating system, 1,at juncture 61, via tubing means, 62. Vacuum cyclone means, 60,maintains a slight negative pressure within particulate coating system,1, by drawing air and some dispersed particulate from coating system, 1,and introducing this air/particulate mixture into vacuum cyclonechamber, 63, where particulate, 3, is introduced into holding means, 64,and the remaining air substantially free from particulate, 3, passesthrough the top of chamber, 63, through tubing, 65, via motor, 67, intofilter means, 66 and 66′. Alternatively, particulate, 3, is captured bycollecting means, 68, with air regulator, 69, and returned toparticulate coating system, 1, via tubing, 70.

Referring to FIG. 2, which is an enlarged top view of particulatecoating system, 1. Elastomeric monofilament dental tape, 15, with liquidbase coating, 16, thereon, passes through particulate abrasive coatingzone, 14, where particulate abrasive, 3, from nozzle means, 7, isintroduced via impinging onto liquid base coating, 16, which issubstantive to tape, 15, as tape, 15, passes through particulate coatingzone, 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, which is an expanded side view of monofilamenttape, 15, showing base liquid coatings, 16 and 16′, thereon before thetape, 15, passes into particulate abrasive coating zone, 14. The basecoatings, 16 and 16′, have been heated and are in a liquid state andsubstantive to both sides of monofilament tape, 15.

Referring to FIG. 4, which illustrates an expanded side view of coatedmonofilament tape, 15, showing base liquid coatings, 16 and 16′containing particulate abrasives, 3 and 3′, imbedded in the liquidcoatings, 16 and 16′.

Referring to FIG. 5, which is an expanded side view of coatedmonofilament dental tape, 15, showing base coatings, 16 and 16′, thathave been passed through a cooling zone (not shown) sufficient to besolidified with particulate abrasive, 3 and 3′, firmly imbedded in thesolidified liquid coatings, 16 and 16′.

Referring to FIG. 6, which is a schematic side view of an alternativeparticulate abrasive overcoating system, 20, for delivering aparticulate abrasive, 21, from a vessel or fluidized-bed means, 30, to aconveying agent means, 22, with gear drive means, 23. The speed ofconveying auger, 22, is controlled by motor driven gear means, 23, whichis slaved to a surface speed controller, not shown, for monofilamenttape, 24. As the monofilament tape, 24, moves faster, auger means, 22,speeds up and delivers more particulate abrasive, 21, to the surface ofmolten-coated monofilament tape, 24. This system then allows for thedelivery of a constant density of particulate abrasive, 21, per squaremillimeter of monofilament tape, 24.

In the foregoing system, the particulate abrasive, 21, may be pumice ofaverage particulate size of 37 microns which are fluidized with a porousplate of sintered polyethylene powder of 0.5 inch thickness. The platehas an average pore size of 20 microns. As the fluidized pumice ispresented to auger means, 23, it is pulled down the shaft and presentedto venturi means, 25. Control of the air flow in proportion to the speedallows uniform delivery of pumice to a surface of monofilament tape, 24,passing under the outlet of venturi means, 25. This arrangement allowsdelivery of uniform particle density with very low air speed, consistentwith little perturbation of the tape traverse.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, which are two separate schematic side viewsof another alternative particulate overcoating system, 40, fordelivering particulates, 41, from a fluidized bed means, 42, tomonofilament flosses, 43 and 43′.

Air chamber means, 44, introduces air under low pressure throughdistributor plate means, 45, which in turn fluidizes particulates, 41,in fluidized bed means, 46. Particulates, 41, are introduced fromfluidized bed, 46, into particulate coating chamber, 47, by particulatemetering means, 48. Particulate coating chamber, 47, is provided withventuri means, 49. Modulating particulate dispensing means, 50, isprovided with high velocity, low volume air means (not shown) providingturbulence to fluidized particulate, 41, prior to said particulateimbedding coatings, 51 and 51′, on the monofilament floss filaments, 43and 43′, respectively. Particulate dispensing means, 50, enhances theuniformity of the particulate, 41, overcoating, 52 and 52′, imbeddedinto coatings, 51 and 51′, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 8, generally the pressure in air chamber, 44, isbetween 4 and 8 psi. Distributor plate, 45, is preferably a porouspolyethylene means that creates air bubbles required to fluidizeparticulates, 41, in fluidized bed, 42. The air pressure in fluidizedbed, 42, is preferably in the 0.2 to 0.5 psi range. Particulate meteringmeans, 48, can take many shapes other than that of the threaded meansdepicted. For example, metering means can be a plug or ram withoutthreads that controls the flow of particulates, 41, from fluidized bed,42, into particulate coating chamber, 47. Lowering metering means, 48,into particulate coating chamber, 47, as shown by dotted lines, 52,further restricts the flow of fluidized particulate, 41, throughdistance, 53. Thus, particulate metering means, 48, determines thequantity of fluidized particulate, 41, to enter particulate meteringarea, 47. This control in combination with modulated air flow throughparticulate dispersing means, 50, produces a substantially uniformdensity particulate on coating, 51, with imbedded particulates, 52,being dispersed substantially uniformly throughout coating, 51.

For a production system comprising up to 32 monofilament lines runningside-by-side, the particulate overcoating system, 40, will be replicatedin groups of 8, with two such groups covering the total of 32 linesrunning side-by-side.

Referring to FIG. 9, which is a schematic flow chart for particulateovercoating of coated monofilament dental floss, monofilament floss ispassed through liquid base coating zone where the base coating isapplied. Particulate overcoating is applied by introducing the coatedmonofilament into one or two particulate overcoating zones, after whichthe particulate overcoated monofilament floss passes through a coolingzone, followed by passing the overcoated monofilament through aparticulate compression means before being introduced to a take-upwinder means.

The particulate abrasives of the present invention are applied to thecoated monofilament dental tape base coatings as a solid materialtotally free from solvents.

A preferred method of applying the particulate abrasive overcoatings tothe coated monofilament device is by means of an innovative fluidizedbed system such as shown in FIG. 1.

Membrane means, 4, is used to maintain the particulate abrasive, 3, in astate of continued fluidization, i.e., fluidized bed, 2. Particulateabrasive, 3, from fluidized bed, 2, is introduced into nozzle means, 7,through stand pipe means, 6, via pump means, 8.

Referring to FIG. 2, coated monofilament dental tape, 15, passes throughparticulate abrasive coating zone, 14, and is coated on both sides withparticulate abrasive, 3 and 3′, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Adhesion of the particulate abrasive to the coated monofilament dentaldevice is achieved by means of the hot, liquid base coating that ispresent on the monofilament device at the time the particulate abrasive,3 and 3′, impinges the tape coatings, 16 and 16′. See FIGS. 4 and 5.

That is, the particulate abrasive, 3, impinges onto liquid coatings, 16and 16′, which are substantive to monofilament device, 15, as the devicepasses through coating zone, 14, and particulate abrasives, 3 and 3′,are trapped by and mechanically adheres to the hot, viscous basecoating, 16 and 16′, respectively, which is a viscous liquid generallyat a temperature between about 48° C. and 110° C. with a viscositybetween 10 and 10,000 cs. This is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The particulate abrasive, overcoated, monofilament dental tape thenproceeds through a cooling means (not shown), where the base coating, 16and 16′, cools and solidifies with the particulate abrasive, 3 and 3′,adhered thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The innovative fluidized bed coating process of the present invention ismost effective in delivering:

(1) particulate abrasive loads between about 2 and about 45 percent byweight of the device,

(2) particulate abrasive overcoated monofilament devices with aperceived abrasive factor (PAF) between about 2 and 4, and

(3) particulate abrasive, overcoated, monofilament devices with anIncidental Release Factor (IRF) value well above 80%.

It has been discovered that in order to produce a coated monofilamentdental device with PAF values in the 3 to 4 range, it is necessary: (1)to produce particulate abrasive loads at between about 10 and 34 percentby weight of the device, (2) to restrict the average particle size ofthe particulate abrasive to between about 7 microns and about 200microns, and (3) to restrict particle size distributions to from betweenabout 5 microns and about 300 microns.

Dental particulate abrasives overcoated onto a standard coatedmonofilament dental tape and suitable for purposes of the presentinvention illustrated in Examples 1 through 7, are described in Table 1below: TABLE 1 “Dental” Particulate Abrasives Avg. Particulate ProjectedProjected Particle Particle Size Abrasive Load Incidental PerceivedParticulate Size (in Distribution as % by wt. of Release Factor AbrasiveFactor Example # Abrasive(s) microns) (in microns) device (IRF) in %(PAF) Comments 1 pumice 35  4-120 23 95 3.5 Ideal professional product 2silica 10  2-18 10 98 1.5 — 3 pumice & 12  2-120 16 96 2.5 Ideal forstain fighting silica 4 dicalcium 55  18-100 15 98 1.5 Supportstoothpaste positioning phosphate dihydrate 5 alumina 25 10-75 20 94 3.7— 6 calcium 50 15-80 16 97 2.0 — carbonate 7 polyethylene 20  8-40 12 981.5 Supports soft abrasive positioning

“Active” particulate abrasives overcoated onto a standard coatedmonofilament dental tape and suitable for purposes of the presentinvention are illustrated in Examples 8 through 12 in Table 2 below:TABLE 2 “Active” Particulate Abrasives Particulate Projected ProjectedAvg. Particle Size Abrasive Load Incidental Perceived ParticulateParticle Size Distribution as % by wt. of Release Factor Abrasive FactorExample # Abrasive(s) (in microns) (in microns) device (IRF) in % (PAF)Comments 8 tricalcium 60 10-150 10 90 3.0 Excellent tartar phosphate &silica control product 9 tetrapotassium 65 20-175 12 90 2.5 Tartarcontrol prospect pyrophosphate & pumice 10 tetra sodium 70 20-150 8 902.5 Excellent tartar pyrophosphate control product 11 sodium 75 20-17517 85 3.0 Excellent whitening hexametaphosphate product & pumice 12calcium 9 4-35 20 98 2.0 — pyrophosphate & silica

Suitable particulate abrasives for the present invention can alsocontain active ingredients “dusted” thereon. For example, whenantimicrobials such as cetylpyridinium chloride, triclosan,chlorhexidine, etc., can be dusted onto the particulate abrasives priorto overcoating the coated monofilament tape. During flossing, theseantimicrobial containing particulate abrasives are released from thecoated monofilament dental tapes and the dusted on antimicrobialsrelease from the particulate abrasive and remain availableinterproximally and subgingivally to work with the monofilament dentaltape during flossing as biofilms are being removed, disrupted and/orcontrolled.

The enhanced softness of the preferred elastomeric monofilament dentaltapes suitable for use with the present invention is key to the tapes'consumer perception of gentleness, which is a distinct advantage overcurrent commercial monofilament tapes and multifilament waxed flosses.

Wound bobbins of monofilament dental tapes suitable for overcoating withthe particulate abrasive overcoatings of the present invention showedsubstantially lower Shore D hardness values than competitive tapes whentested with the Flexbar Portable Shore Haidness Tester Model Number18877. See Table 3 below. This aspect of gentleness, of course, isprimarily attributed to the substantive, saliva soluble, flake-free basecoatings, such as described in Table 8, applied to the variousmonofilament tapes prior to overcoating. TABLE 3 Shore D Bobbin TypePolymer Tape Tape Coating Hardness Glide ® Floss - mint PTFE Wax 36Glide ® Tape PTFE Wax 36 Oral-B ® Satin ® Bicomponent Wax 29 Tape - mintFibaclean ™ unwaxed PEBA None 37 Fibaclean ™ noncrystalline PEBANoncrystalline 27 coating Non flaking

Tables 4 through 7 below describe in detail monofilament tapes suitablefor overcoating with the particulate-abrasives of the present invention.The “UTILITY FACTORS”: Gentleness Perception, Tape Flex-Twist Index andHardness Shore D of these monofilament dental tapes when combined withvarious base coatings as described in Table 8, Examples 71 through 88contribute to a consumer perception of gentleness. The particulateabrasive overcoatings added to these monofilament tapes imparts aperception of “working” to the perception of gentleness. TABLE 4Examples of Suitable Monofilament Dental Tapes TAPE COMPOSITIONSecondary Thermoplastic Silicone Polymer Other Add'n Ex. Elastomer TradeProcess TiO₂ added Type No. Type Manufacturer Name Grade Aid (%) (%)Type (%) (%) 13 PEBA Atofina PEBAX 55/33 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 — polyesteramide 14 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 — polyester amide Adflex - 5 15PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 9.7 — polyester amide 16 PEBA Atofina PEBAX63/33 0 0 0 — polyester amide 17 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyesteramide 18 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 — polyester amide 19 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.51.8 PP - 4.7 — polyester amide Adflex - 5 20 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 9.7— polyester amide 21 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 — polyester amide Nylon11 - 5 22 TPE DuPont Hytrel 6359FG 2.3 1.0 0 Ca Stearate polyether ester0.1 23 TPE ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 Ca Stearate polyether ester 0.1 24TPE-E DSM Arnitel PM581 0 0 0 — polyether ester 25 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8PP - 1.2 — polyether ester 26 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 3 0 PBT - 5 — polyether ester27 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 0 PBT - 5 — polyether ester 28 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP -1.2 — polyether ester PBT - 5 PROCESSING PROPERTIES UTILITY FACTORSCONDITIONS Break Elongation Tape Draw Strength to DIMENSIONS Flex Ex.Melt Temp Draw in Break Elastic Width Thick Gentleness Twist HardnessNo. Temp ° C. ° C. Ratio Newtons (%) Limit Decitex (mm) (mm) PerceptionIndex Shore D 13 260 130 6.8:1 30 26 0 750 1.30 0.063 6 4 37 14 260 1306.5:1 27 18 0 760 1.30 0.063 6 4 37 15 260 130 6.8:1 26 19 0 760 1.300.063 6 4 37 16 260 135   6:1 30 15 0 805 1.44 0.065 5.5 4 36 17 260 1356.3:1 32.36 13 0 800 1.41 0.067 5.5 4 36 18 260 135 6.2:1 33.47 17 0 8601.36 0.066 5.5 4 36 19 260 135 6.2:1 25.94 14 0 810 1.32 0.078 5.5 4 3620 260 135 6.2:1 29.46 14 0 780 1.34 0.069 5.5 4 36 21 260 135 6.2:130.63 13 0 810 1.30 0.065 5.5 4 36 22 225 130   5:1 20 20 15 1400 1.700.070 7 3 33 23 225 140 5.7:1 24 14 10 1230 1.70 0.070 7 3 33 24 235 1404.3:1 18 13 10 1500 1.63 0.084 7 3 33 25 240 115 4.3:1 19 14 5 1634 1.640.085 7 3 33 26 235 140 4.3:1 19 10 2 1580 1.68 0.079 7 3 33 27 235 1404.3:1 18 12 3 1500 1.70 0.086 7 3 33 28 235 140 4.3:1 21 15 4 1575 1.770.083 7 3 33

TABLE 5 Examples of Suitable Monofilament Dental Tapes TAPE COMPOSITIONSecondary Thermoplastic Silicone Polymer Other Add'n Ex. Elastomer TradeProcess TiO₂ added Type No. Type Manufacturer Name Grade Aid (%) (%)Type (%) (%) 29 TPE-E DSM Arnitel EM550 0 0 0 — polyether ester 30 TPE-E″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyether ester 31 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 6.2 —polyether ester 32 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 0 PBT - 5 — polyether ester 33 TPE-EOSM Arnitel EM630 0 0 0 — polyester ester 34 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2— polyester ester 35 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyester esterAdflex - 5 36 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 6.2 — polyester ester 37 TPE-E ″ ″″ 0 0 PBT - 5 — polyester ester 38 TPE-E DSM Arnitel UM552 0 0 0 —polyester ester 39 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 0 0 Ca Stearate polyester ester 0.1 40TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyester ester 41 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 0 Adflex -5 — polyester ester 42 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 1.5 PP - 1.2 Ca Stearate polyesterester PBT - 5 0.1 43 TPE-E ″ ″ ″ 0 0 PBT - 5 Ca Stearate polyester ester0.1 44 EPDM Monteil Adflex Q100F 0 0 PP - 20 — TPV 45 EPDM ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8PP - 24.7 — TPV 46 EPDM ″ ″ ″ 0 3 PP - 30 — TPV 47 EPDM ″ ″ ″ 0 3 PP -34.7 — TPV 48 EPDM ″ ″ ″ 0 3 PP - 40 — TPV PROCESSING PROPERTIES UTILITYFACTORS CONDITIONS Break Elongation Tape Draw Strength to DIMENSIONSFlex Ex. Melt Temp Draw in Break Elastic Width Thick Gentleness TwistHardness No. Temp ° C. ° C. Ratio Newtons (%) Limit Decitex (mm) (mm)Perception Index Shore D 29 240 140 4.3:1 23 25 7 1800 1.95 0.096 7 3 3330 240 115   6:1 27 11 5 1050 1.47 0.071 7 3 33 31 240 140 5.6:1 26 17 51216 1.45 0.071 7 3 33 32 240 145 5.9:1 28 145 5 1220 1.55 0.074 7 3 3333 235 150 4.5:1 18 12 4 1090 1.44 0.067 7 3 33 34 235 150 4.7:1 17 11 41130 1.50 0.068 7 3 33 35 235 150 4.6:1 18 10 7 961 1.35 0.065 7 3 33 36235 150 4.6:1 14 30 10 965 1.24 0.073 7 3 33 37 235 150 4.6:1 20 12 51018 1.39 0.069 7 3 33 38 240 150 6.6:1 32 12 8 1300 1.49 0.070 7.5 3.531 39 230 150 5.6:1 26 15 8 1090 1.40 0.070 7.5 3.5 31 40 240 150 6.3:129 16 8 1150 1.46 0.070 7.5 3.5 31 41 230 140 5.6:1 30 16 10 1233 1.480.069 7.5 3.5 31 42 230 145 5.7:1 22 19 10 1108 1.53 0.067 7.5 3.5 31 43230 245 5.3:1 24 14 8 1143 1.48 0.064 7.5 3.5 31 44 240 130 4.5:1 26 200 910 1.60 0.064 5.5 NT NT 45 240 130 4.5:1 25 24 0 940 1.59 0.064 5.5NT NT 46 240 130 4.7:1 28 20 0 870 1.58 0.064 5.5 NT NT 47 240 130 4.7:127 23 0 880 1.58 0.060 5.5 NT NT 48 240 130 4.7:1 35 18 0 720 1.44 0.0635 NT NT

TABLE 6 Examples of Suitable Monofilament Dental Tapes TAPE COMPOSITIONSecondary Thermoplastic Silicone Polymer Other Add'n Ex. Elastomer TradeProcess TiO₂ added Type No. Type Manufacturer Name Grade Aid (%) (%)Type (%) (%) 49 PEBA Atofina PEBAX 55133 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyesteramide 50 PEBA ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 — polyester amide EMA - 3 51 PEBA ″″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 4.7 — polyester amide 52 PEBA Atofina PEBAX 63/33 3.51.8 PP - 4.7 — EMA - 3 53 ″ ″ ″ ″ 0 0 Nylon 11 - 5 PDVF - 3 54 TPE - EDSM Arnitel PM581 3 0 0 — polyether ester 55 TPE - E DSM Arnitel EM550 30 0 — polyether ester 56 TPE - E ″ ″ ″ 3 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyether esterEMA - 3 57 TPE - E DSM Arnitel UM552 3 1.8 PP - 1.2 — polyether esterPROCESSING PROPERTIES UTILITY FACTORS CONDITIONS Break Elongation TapeDraw Strength to DIMENSIONS Flex Ex. Melt Temp Draw in Break ElasticWidth Thick Gentleness Twist Hardness No. Temp ° C. ° C. Ratio Newtons(%) Limit Decitex (mm) (mm) Perception Index Shore D 49 260 130 6.8:1 2824 0 775 1.30 0.063 6 4 37 50 260 130   7:1 28 30 3 750 1.30 0.063 8 437 51 260 130 6.8:1 29 24 0 800 1.35 0.070 6 4 37 52 260 135 6.5:1 31 203 800 1.40 0.065 5.5 4 36 53 260 135 6.2:1 28 14 0 800 1.30 0.065 5.5 436 54 235 140   5:1 22 16 7 1400 1.60 0.079 7 3 33 55 240 140   6:1 2520 7 800 1.30 0.060 7 3 33 56 240 140   6:1 27 15 5 850 1.35 0.065 7 333 57 240 150   6:1 27 17 10 1100 1.47 0.069 7.5 3 33

TABLE 7 Examples of Suitable Monofilament Dental Tapes TAPE COMPOSITIONSecondary Thermoplastic Silicone Polymer Other Add'n Ex. Elastomer TradeProcess TiO₂ added Type No. Type Manufacturer Name Grade Aid (%) (%)Type (%) (%) 58 Styrenics Alphagary Evoprene G978 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — SEBS59 Styrenics ″ ″ ″ 3 1.8 PP - 1.2 — SEBS 60 Styrenics ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP -1.2 — SEBS EMA - 3 61 Styrenics ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 9.7 — SEBS 62Styrenics ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 9.7 — SEBS PS - 5 63 TPU Dow Pelethane 21030 1.8 PP - 1.2 — 90 AEN 64 TPU ″ ″ ″ 3 1.8 PP - 1.2 — 90 AEN 65 TPU ″ ″″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — 90 AEN EMA - 3 66 TPU ″ ″ ″ 3.5 1.8 PP - 9.7 — 90 AEN67 TPV DSM Sarlink 4149D 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — 68 ″ ″ ″ ″ 3 1.8 PP - 1.2 — 69″ ″ ″ ″ 0 1.8 PP - 1.2 — EMA - 3 70 ″ ″ ″ ″ 3 1.8 PP - 6.2 — PROCESSINGPROPERTIES UTILITY FACTORS CONDITIONS Break Elongation Tape DrawStrength to DIMENSIONS Flex Ex. Melt Temp Draw in Break Elastic WidthThick Gentleness Twist Hardness No. Temp ° C. ° C. Ratio Newtons (%)Limit Decitex (mm) (mm) Perception Index Shore D 58 200 100   7:1 19 3010 1100 1.30 0.060 6 4 37 59 200 100   7:1 20 35 12 1100 1.30 0.060 6 437 60 200 100 7.2:1 17 32 12 1100 1.30 0.060 6 4 37 61 200 100   7:1 1420 7 1100 1.30 0.060 8 4 37 62 200 100   7:1 22 28 8 1100 1.30 0.060 6 437 63 230 120   7:1 32 15 5 1200 1.40 0.068 7 3 33 64 230 120   6:1 3017 6 1200 1.40 0.068 7 3 33 65 230 120   6:1 26 16 6 1200 1.40 0.068 7 333 66 230 120   5:1 22 10 2 1300 1.45 0.070 7 3 33 67 220 105 4.5:1 2020 5 1400 1.45 0.072 6 4 37 68 220 105   5:1 22 35 7 1300 1.40 0.070 6 437 69 220 105 4.8:1 19 20 5 1350 1.48 0.075 6 4 37 70 220 105 4.2:1 1520 5 1450 1.48 0.075 6 4 37

Suitable crystal-free, substantially flake-free, base coatings forvarious monofilament dental tapes are described in Examples 71 through88 in Table 8 below: TABLE 8 Suitable Crystal-Free, Flake-Free BaseCoatings for Monofilament Dental Tapes EXAMPLE Ingredient 71 72 73 74 7576 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 Ultramulsion 10-2.5 57.1 54.852.3 50.8 50.8 50.8 58.8 60.8 60.1 55.1 51.1 60.1 61.1 61.1 53.1 57.1POLOXAMER 407 60.1 60.1 Emsorb 2726 12.5 7.5 12.5 9 5 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 34 3 3 3 Stearyl Alcohol 9.2 10.5 8 7 11 13 15 16 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 815 15 Insoluble Saccharin 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.81.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 Propyl gallate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Spicemint Flavor 4 4 4 4 4 44 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Vanilla Mint Flavor 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 55 5 5 5 Tetrasodiumpyro- 8 14 14 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 14 4 6 6 10 6phosphate Dicalcium 10 phosphate Microcrystalline 10 10 10 0 0 0 0 5 5 07 10 7 7 Wax ML 445 Triclosan 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 PEG 800011 6 Need heat to wind y n y y n y y y y y y y y y y y y Bobbin tack 1 55 3 4 4 3 2 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 (1 = poor, 5 = good) Flake resistance Feelssticky (1 = no, 5 4 4 2 1 2 2 3 3 3 1 4 3 4 4 5 = very) Load of two 29/Na Na 43/ 28/ 53/ 58/ 33/ 51/ 33 46/ 40/ 38/ 50/ 48 45 38/ 43/ samples19 50 11 39 43 20 40 53 39 38 37 39 39 Release Value 98 97 100 96 100 99100 100 96 99 98 100 97 99 100 96 100 100

TABLE 9 Coated Monofilament Dental Tapes with an Overcoating ofParticulate Abrasive Monofilament Particulate Dental Tape AbrasiveIncidental Release Example Composition Base Coating Overcoating Factor(IRF) Perceived Abrasive No. per example # (mg/yd) (mg/yd) (in %) Factor(PAF) Comments 89 Example 13 (680) 45 pumice (20) 95 3.5 Suitable forprofessional use only product 90 Example 14 (730) 47 granular DCP (14)90 2.0 Tartar control product 91 Example 13 (745) 52 alumina DCP (22) 873.7 Suitable for whitening/stain removal product

TABLE 10 Wax Coated Monofilament Dental Tape Overcoated with ParticulateAbrasive and Saliva Soluble Particulate OVERCOATINGS Monofilament WaxParticulate Saliva Soluble Dental Tape Base Coating Abrasive Type &Particulate Type Ex. Composition per Type & Load Load ProjectedProjected & Load Impact of Saliva No. Example No. (mg/yd) (in mg/yd) PAFIRF (in mg/yd) Soluble Particulate 92 Example 13 microcrystalline pumice3.4 96 PEG 3350/flavor — wax (21) (14) (33) 93 Example 14microcrystalline pumice 3.2 98 PEG 3350/flavor — wax (14) (18) (33) 94Example 13 microcrystalline silica 2.8 97 PEG 3350/flavor — wax (16)(12) (33) 95 Example 14 bees wax pumice 3.5 92 PEG 3350/flavor — (27)(22) (14) 96 Example 13 bees wax pumice 3.0 96 PEG 3350/flavor — (27)(14) (17)

TABLE 11 Suitable Wax Coatings for Various Monofilament Dental TapesEstimated % of total Monofilament particulate abrasive Tape ImbeddedParticulate surface area Ex. Composition per Wax Base CoatingAbrasive-Type Projected IRF Projected PAF imbedded into wax No. ExampleNo. Type (mg/yd) (mg/yd) (in %) (in %) coating 97 Example 13microcrystalline wax pumice 92 3.6 17 to 24 (28) (20) 98 Example 13microcrystalline wax pumice 98 3.2 13 to 16 (34) (12) 99 Example 14microcrystalline wax pumice 96 3.4 15 to 18 (34) (16) 100 Example 14microcrystalline wax Silica 98 2.8 19 to 26 (34) (15) 101 Example 13microcrystalline wax Silica 99 2.5 15 to 18 (34) (9) 102 Example 14 Beeswax Pumice 94 3.5 16 to 25 (24) (20) 103 Example 13 Bees wax Pumice 973.1 12 to 16 (24) (11) 104 Example 14 Bees wax Silica 98 2.5 18 to 20(24) (16) 105 Example 13 PEG 3350 Pumice 90 3.7 18 to 26 (30) (21) 106Example 13 PEG 3350 Pumice 95 3.2 13 to 18 (30) (13) 107 Example 14 PEG3350 Pumice 98 2.9 10 to 13 (30) (9) 108 Example 14 Bees wax Pumice 943.6 16 to 23 (27) (18)

In addition to various types of fluidized beds, the particulate abrasiveovercoatings can be introduced onto the coated monofilament dental tapesby several other means for impinging particulate abrasives onto coatedtapes. These include various powder coating processes includingfluidized bed, plastic frame-spraying, electrostatic spraying and sonicspraying. In the latter, sound waves are used to suspend the particulateabrasives. Some of these other particulate abrasive overcoatingprocesses are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,037,019; 3,848,363;3,892,908; 4,024,295; 4,612,242; 5,163,975; 5,232,775; 5,273,782;55,389,434; 5,658,510; 2,640,002; 3,093,501; 2,689,808; 2,640,001 and5,194,297, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Particularly preferred particulate abrasive overcoating means includevarious Nordson® automatic powder coating systems such as the Nordson®Tribomatic II powder coating system, which includes various Nordson®powder pumps, as well as ITW Genca Powder coating systems includingtheir Easysystem™ and Electrostatic Equipment Co's 7R FLEXICOAT® system.

The present invention has been described in detail, including thepreferred embodiments thereof However, it will be appreciated that thoseskilled in the art, upon consideration of the present disclosure, maymake modifications and/or improvements on this invention and still bewithin the scope and spirit of this invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method for removing, disrupting and controllingbiofilms comprising the step of flossing interproximal and subgingivalareas with monofilament dental tape including two coatings, a salivasoluble base coating; and a particulate abrasive overcoating; whereinsaid base coating and particulate abrasive overcoating are releasedduring flossing and cooperate with said monofilament dental tape toremove, disrupt and control biofilms.
 3. A method for overcoating coatedmonofilament dental devices with particulate abrasive comprising thesteps of: (a) impinging particulate abrasive onto heated liquid base,substantive coatings contained on said monofilament dental devices and;(b) subsequently passing said particulate overcoated, coatedmonofilament dental devices through a cooling zone, whereby said basecoating solidifies entrapping said particulate abrasive onto said basecoating.
 4. Coated monofilament dental devices, overcoated withbiofilm-responsive, releasable, particulate abrasives and saliva solubleparticulates, wherein: said monofilament dental device is selected fromthe group consisting of PTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene andelastomeric monofilament devices; coatings for said monofilament dentaldevices are selected from saliva soluble emulsion and crystal-freecoatings; and said particulate abrasives are selected from the groupconsisting of organic, inorganic, dental and active abrasives andmixtures thereof.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled) 8.(canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. Coatedmonofilament dental devices according to claim 4, wherein saidmonofilament dental device comprises polyethylene.
 13. A method forremoving, disrupting and controlling biofilms comprising the step offlossing interproximal and subgingival areas with particulate abrasive,overcoated monofilament dental device containing a saliva soluble basecoating, wherein said base coating is imbedded with a particulateabrasive overcoating that functions as a soft abrasive oral sandpaperduring flossing to remove, disrupt and control biofilms.
 14. (canceled)15. A method for overcoating coated monofilament dental tape withparticulate abrasives comprising the steps of: (a) impinging particulateabrasives onto a heated liquid base coating substantive to saidmonofilament followed by; (b) impinging saliva soluble particulates ontosaid heated liquid base coating, (c) subsequently passing said imbeddedparticulate overcoated, coated monofilament dental tape through acooling zone, whereby said base coating solidifies entrapping saidparticulates into said base coating and (d) passing said particulateovercoated, coated monofilament dental tape through an imbeddedparticulate overcoating compression means.
 16. Coated, texturized,monofilament dental devices having a denier between about 300 and about1000 containing from between about 10 and about 100 mg/yd of salivasoluble emulsion base coating and having a biofilm-responsiveparticulate overcoating imbedded therein, wherein: said particulateabrasive coating comprises from between about 2 and about 45 percent byweight of said device; and said particulate abrasive coating has aIncidental Release Factor (IRF) of at least about 85 percent by weight.17. Coated monofilament dental devices according to claim 16, whereinsaid emulsion base coating is an emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane andblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.
 18. Coatedmonofilament dental devices according to claim 17, wherein saidbiofilm-responsive particulate overcoating contains a whiteningsubstance.
 19. Coated monofilament dental devices according to claim 16,wherein said base coating and said particulate overcoating each containa tartar control substance.
 20. Coated monofilament dental devicesaccording to claim 4, wherein said coating is an insoluble wax coating,said particulate abrasive is an active abrasive, and said salivaparticulate is an emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane and block copolymersof ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.
 21. The method of claim 15,wherein excess particulate abrasive is collected and recycled using avacuum cyclone recovery means.